September 6, 2016

T5 LED vs T5 Fluorescent 8-tube fixture Cost Comparison (+Graphs)

We are amidst an LED revolution—LEDs are quickly replacing traditional grow lighting, such as fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure sodium.

While the initial cost of LED grow lighting is significantly more, the energy savings are realized immediately (50% or more energy savings) with the entire investment paying itself off in as little as 9 months—sometimes sooner.

Furthermore, LEDs are better tuned to a plant's photosynthetic requirements.

For example, view the graphs below to compare a typical plant's absorption curve to the Flextronics T5 LED spectrum (5000K) and a traditional T5 fluorescent spectrum (5500K). Notice the LED contains a fuller spectrum compared to the T5 fluorescent.

Notice that the LED contains a fuller spectrum compared to the T5 fluorescent.

Plant Absorption curve

Flextronics t5 LED spectrum

Traditional t5 spectrum

Did you know that growers who use an 8-tube T5 LED fixture will receive their money back in energy savings in only 9 months and save nearly $1700 over 5 years!? Need proof?... View the graphs below for a cost comparison between an 8-tube T5 LED and fluorescent fixture.